Five Minutes With Karlie Kloss

Last night, Karlie Kloss earned her wings as the newest addition to the Victoria’s Secret squad of Angles. At 19, the model from the Midwest was finally of-age to join the lingerie family, though she already had plenty of runway experience under her belt—from McQueen to Christian Dior couture. We caught up with Kloss backstage before the show, where reporters and photographers pooled around her makeup chair.

Karlie Kloss on the Victoria’s Secret 2011 runway

Karlie Kloss: I can’t believe I have a line! It’s crazy!W: Are you nervous?
I think something would be wrong if I wasn’t nervous—the energy is kind of crazy. I mean, this is unlike any show I’ve ever been a part of. It’s incredible. I don’t think there’s anything else in the world like it. But as nervous as I am, I think once the music starts and somebody pushes me out on the runway, I’ll just wing it. Literally.

Do you worry about wardrobe malfunctions?
There are so many contraptions and push-up everythings, so there’s not much room for slippage. We did the rehearsal yesterday and everybody had their wings and shoes on—they have some crazy ones. Mine are ten feet wide. One has, I don’t know, thousands upon thousands of Swarovski crystals. I mean, I can’t imagine the amount of time that went into creating it. It’s truly like art.

How long has Victoria’s Secret been talking to you about this?
They’ve been trying for a while, and I was a little reluctant at first. But when the opportunity came about, I thought, ‘Why the heck not?’ It’s an opportunity to be a part of something so big and so fun. It’s one big party.

How did you prepare?
I lucked out. Some girls have wings that are probably their entire body weight. I, on the other hand, have huge wings, but they’re pretty light. I’ve been working and traveling so much the last couple weeks that I haven’t had time to really do anything too particular to prepare. Just my regular fitness regime—I’m pretty physical and athletic for the most part.

Do you have a significant other that might be jealous of all of the attention?
There’s no time for boys in my life right now. I’m focusing on me. This is such a transformation process. As I look in the mirror, I’m like, ‘Wow.’ I don’t even recognize myself. Becoming an Angel, it takes a lot of work.

What do your parents think?
I haven’t talked to my dad about it. It is a little risqué, but at the same time I don’t have anything too crazy on. I have wings and a few body suits and lots of tight leather contraptions, like thigh-high boots. It’s probably the sexiest show in the world… I’ll have to ask my dad if he approves or not.